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TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk
DATE: April 14, 2025
SUBJECT:
A Resolution establishing the maximum number of City of Aurora Liquor Licenses by Class.
PURPOSE:
To maintain the number of Class D: Downtown Core On-Site Consumption liquor licenses. A business that has been in operation at 56 E Galena for several years, French 75, is being purchased by the son of the current owner - and manager of the current location - Braden Smith. Braden's corporation, French 75 Gallery and Lounge Inc. will take over the business and operate under the name French 75 Gallery and Lounge. Braden will have 100% ownership of the business. Business operations and the layout of the business will not change with the "new" ownership.
BACKGROUND:
This request is presented in accordance with the 2011 amendment to the City's Liquor Ordinance, specifically Section 6-9(a), which charges the City Council with the authority to determine the number of licenses available in each classification.
DISCUSSION:
French 75 Gallery and Lounge Inc. has submitted a liquor license application to offer alcohol for sale for on-site consumption. Attached is the application submitted for your consideration. This resolution will maintain the number of allowable liquor licenses as indicated in the accompanying Exhibit A to allow for the issuance of the license by the Liquor Commissioner. City staff has been working with the business owner to ensure that all requirements for a liquor license, as set forth in Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances, are met.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The proposed resolution presents an opportunity to further the City of Aurora's economic development and to bring additional business and people to the City of Aurora. Additionally, this resolution allows for the continuation of a long-time family business in the City of Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends that this resolution be approved.
cc: Public Health, Safety and Transportation Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution maintaining the maximum number of Class D: Downtown Core On-Site Consumption liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from French 75 Gallery and Lounge, Inc.). [Ward 2]
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 4-1 of the Illinois Liquor Control Act, 235 ILCS 5/4-1, and Section 6-9 of the City of Aurora Liquor Ordinance, the City Council may establish the maximum number of allowed liquor licenses within the City of Aurora; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 6-9, it is the desire of the City Council to maintain the maximum number of allowed liquor licenses within the City of Aurora as reflected in the schedule attached hereto as Exhibit A.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the allowable liquor licenses are established as set forth in Exhibit A.